Shelter Love

In the past 6 months, since our last visit, the shelter has doubled in size. It is now a temporary home to 45 lost boys. Both the boys and some local artists have transformed the shelter from what used to feel like a dark and uninspiring environment to a colourful and welcoming home where the boys can feel safe and happy.

This year with the introduction of our #oneforone scheme we have been providing uniforms for the boys as well as the rucksacks. The rucksacks enable the boys to have something that belongs only to them whilst also providing them with toiletries and school materials (all of which they used to share).

Our intention in providing uniforms has been to give the boys a sense of belonging and comradeship. It has been a huge success; the feedback we have had from the boys is that wearing uniforms makes them feel part of a team.

So drum roll………

Over the last few months we have given and stitched them:

FINALLY…… stay tuned

Whilst visiting the shelter we spoke to Ramesh (Founder of the NGO) about why and how he first set up Taabar. His story is one of complete selflessness and we feel incredibly privileged to be able to work with him.

We then talked to four of the boys about how they became separated from their families and consequently ended up at the shelter. Whilst their accounts are desperately sad what is blindingly apparent is how important the shelters work is in helping these boys. Without Taabar these boys would still be being exploited on the streets or in factories.

We have recorded all as mini interviews and we will be sharing them with you in the upcoming weeks.